Transforming lives in Singhaul, Belaganj, Gaya

Singhaul, Belaganj, Gaya

Transforming lives in Singhaul, Belaganj, Gaya.
Singhaul village, located in Chiraila Panchayat of Belaganj Block in Gaya, is a rural area where most residents rely on daily wage labor for their livelihood. WaterAid India identified this village as a key area for intervention after a survey revealed that the local population lacked awareness of proper sanitary habits, such as washing hands with soap at five critical times of the day. Conversations with villagers, particularly mothers of children under five, highlighted that many people used soil instead of soap for handwashing, believing it to be effective due to its long-standing traditional use. However, it was also found that this practice contributed to frequent illnesses, especially among children, leading to significant medical expenses for the already financially strained community.
Recognising the urgent need for improved sanitation, WaterAid India, with support from the One Drop Foundation, initiated programs aimed at changing the community's behavior towards hygiene, particularly encouraging handwashing with soap. These SABC activities were conducted in five stages, during which artists from Surangan engaged with mothers of children under five, as well as the broader community, including children and men.
The SABC activities conducted by WaterAid India saw significant participation from the community. In the Inspire + Activate 1 session, there were 210 female participants above 18 years, 225 male participants above 18 years, 60 mothers of children under five, 110 male children under 18, and 120 female children under 18. The Activate 2 session had 180 female participants above 18 years, 210 male participants above 18 years, 48 mothers of children under five, 95 male children under 18, and 110 female children under 18. In the Activate 3 session, 195 female participants above 18 years, 215 male participants above 18 years, 49 mothers of children under five, 100 male children under 18, and 115 female children under 18 attended. The Sustain 1 and Sustain 2 sessions were also part of the program, although specific participation numbers for these sessions were not provided.
Through various art forms such as sujni, wall painting, songs, and magic shows, the community was sensitized about the importance of washing hands with soap at five critical times of the day:
1.    Before cooking a meal.
2.    Before eating a meal.
3.    Before feeding milk or other foods to a child.
4.    After using the toilet.
5.    After cleaning a child's feces.
Street shows, the song "Faguniya Maange Sabuniya," and magic shows were used to convey the message of sanitation and handwashing with soap, particularly targeting mothers of children under five years of age. Additionally, mothers were taught how to make soap holders (sabun-tangnis and sabun-rakhnis) to keep soap handy and ensure its convenient use. These activities were designed to encourage active participation from the villagers, especially mothers of young children.
 

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Similarly, the mothers were encouraged to write various slogans on the walls, reinforcing the key messages about hygiene and handwashing , such as:
“Zindagi se haath dhone se behtar hai ki hum sabun se haath dho lein.” and 
“ Surf-mitti se na dhoyein haath, hamesha rakhein saabun saath.”
 

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The target population faces significant financial constraints and, in many cases, occupies the lowest rungs of the societal order. Purchasing items like soap or a soap case for safe storage is not a priority for them due to several reasons:
1.    Limited Financial Resources: Their income barely meets subsistence needs, making soaps seem like a non-essential expense that can be avoided.
2.    Cultural Practices: Traditional beliefs and practices play a role, as many have seen their ancestors use soil for handwashing and live long, seemingly healthy lives, leading them to trust this method.
3.    Health Concerns with Alternatives: Some individuals experience skin irritations, such as rashes, when using detergents for handwashing. This often discourages them from adopting soaps, causing them to revert to using soil, which they perceive as gentler.
These factors highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns to address misconceptions, demonstrate the benefits of soap, and make it a more accessible and culturally accepted choice.